Leena Powell Powered UCLA Soccer to Victory
The Culver City native secured a win for the Bruins by scoring the deciding goal against Ohio State.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Soccer
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Sophomore forward Leena Powell led the No. 12 UCLA women’s soccer team to victory over Ohio State. The former Culver City High School standout scored the winning goal while anchoring the offense at Wallis Annenberg Soccer Stadium.
Why it matters
The win bolstered UCLA’s national standing as the team continues its campaign to remain in the top 15. Powell’s individual performance highlights the impact of elite development pathways on collegiate competition.
Powell logged 83 minutes and registered five of the team's seven total shots on goal. UCLA currently holds a 7-3-1 record and sits at No. 12 in the national rankings.
The players
Leena Powell
She is a sophomore team captain for UCLA and a former Culver City High School athlete who represented multiple U.S. youth national teams.
UCLA
This is a public research university located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles that competes in Division I collegiate athletics.
The details
Powell, a team captain and Top Drawer Soccer’s No. 38 ranked player, utilized her experience from prior U-17, U-18, and U-20 United States national teams to control the pitch. The Bruins' defensive effort was equally significant, as they limited Ohio State to their lowest shot total of the entire season.
Timeline
September 18, 2026: UCLA defeated Ohio State at Wallis Annenberg Soccer Stadium.
October 8, 2026: The team plays a home game at 7 p.m.
October 11, 2026: The team plays a home game at 1 p.m.
October 16, 2026: The team plays a home game at 8 p.m.
Season Trajectory
Powell’s continued development as a sophomore captain directly influences UCLA's potential for a high-seed postseason run. Her ability to anchor the team's offense while maintaining defensive discipline keeps the Bruins as a top-15 contender.
Powell’s high shot volume suggests she is the primary engine for UCLA’s offense in fantasy or statistical modeling scenarios. Her 83 minutes of playing time indicate she is a central fixture in the team’s current rotation.
The takeaway
Powell’s transition from high-level youth national team play to collegiate captaincy exemplifies the increasing professionalism of modern college soccer. Athletes who leverage specialized training environments during their high school years often see accelerated success at the university level.
What happens next
The Bruins are scheduled for home matches on October 8, 2026, at 7 p.m., October 11, 2026, at 1 p.m., and October 16, 2026, at 8 p.m.
Further reading
For more on local matches, visit Soccer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Culver City Observer.
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